Trinanoch [Paperback]

Alan Wagstaff (Author)

Book Description

A life-changing journey begins when twins, Katherine and Thomas Rayner, fall through coloured light pouring from a church window into a different reality - Trinanoch. They have been called by the dwarfish q'Boldi and soon learn that a powerful enemy has set his sights on ruling the everyday world of the twins. Though they must help to thwart the enemy's plans, no one can explain what they must do or how to begin. And, in the end, what if the enemy seems to have the power to save their world? Did they choose the right side?

Editorial Reviews

Review

ForeWord Clarion Review
Trinanoch
Four Stars (out of Five)

Alan Wagstaff's petite but powerful novel is the first book in a new fantasy series that contains traces of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. English twins, Thomas and Katherine Rayner, cross from our world into another dimension, Trinanoch, which is also called "The Second Realm." This crossing may remind readers of the Pevensie siblings, who find access to the world of Narnia in obscure places like the back of a wardrobe.

Thomas and Katherine feel as if they are being called by something. "A very high-pitched hum, which vaguely troubled him all morning, was beginning to reverberate again," Wagstaff writes, "it was faint--but definite...Then Katherine became aware of it too." This unknown force compels them to approach the entrance of an abandoned chapel. Despite their fear, they enter. Through pools of light reflected on the floor, the children are shown images of another world, including heroic pictures of themselves. As they become entranced, they hear strange voices speaking in a startling dialect and unknown colloquialisms. They step into the world of Trinanoch, which is occupied by Hobbit-like creatures called the q'Boldi, and meet the brothers Threm and Deggan Stenwert, master Stone-Wrights. Soon they discover that both Trinanoch and earth are in danger from an evil being, called the Adversary. The Rayner children have been identified as the champions who will help save both realms.

Wagstaff is a teacher in New Zealand and the author of two children's picture books. His prose is often lyrical; for example, describing the occupation of the Stewards and Stone-Wrights, Deggan explains, "Stewards arrange rocks and trees--sometimes whole hillsides...just as we might work on the notes of a song. As a landscape begins to sound-forth nicely, greater Earth-Power is released--and we, Stone-Wrights, fashion craft-pieces which can put it to work." Readers will enjoy not only the fast-moving fantastical narrative, but also the magic that Wagstaff uses to infuse the story with pure delight. Though it is loaded with "Second Realm" vocabulary, the novel is easily accessible. It doesn't become bogged down with pragmatic anti-heroes or become a platform for the author's ideas or opinions like many recent novels in the genre. Trinanoch provides a fantasy for young adults that never loses its sense of wonder. Lee Gooden --ForeWord Clarion Reviews

About the Author

Alan Wagstaff is a singer/songwriter, teacher educator, school advisor, and children's book author. Born in England, he currently lives with his wife in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (December 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419619098
• ISBN-13: 978-1419619090
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,498,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulously Targetted, February 22, 2010

By 

Mrs. Alicia Kemp - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trinanoch (Paperback)

Twins - Katherine and Thomas Rayner - are trekking across English farmland, trying to reach a ruined church they have spotted. Their lives are in disarray due to the recent stormy separation of their parents. They have been temporarily placed by social services in Longbridge Holiday Home and this is their `day off'. They go inside the church - but see nothing unusual except some coloured light across the floor. A very high-pitched hum begins. The lights focus into four projected pictures. The last is a picture of them. A babble of chatter busts into the air. They are suddenly transported into a different reality and meet Threm and Deggan, who belong to a dwarfish race called q'Boldi.

A wonderful romp through familiar territory for the author obviously in the beginning growing to a larger than life adventure. This book is perfectly targetted to the age group and highly recommended. Share it with your children to provoke discussion and a shared literary experience. And yes, beg for the sequel!

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfying and unusual quest, February 16, 2010

By 

A. Wagstaff "teacherman" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Trinanoch (Paperback)

Trinanoch

This is an unusual and satisfying quest novel where the way forward is only revealed gradually as the plot unfolds. The lead characters are well-drawn and their transformation as a result of the trials is physical - as well as personal.

Readers familiar with the UK will be challenged to discover where the episodes are occurring - since the fantasy land of TRINANOCH shadows the real countryside of southern England.

The novel appeals to 10 to 14 year olds and has a resoundingly satisfying ending which begs for a sequel.